Southwestern University has joined theCoalition for College, a group of distinguished colleges and universities across the U.S. that is committed to making college a reality for all high-school students through its set of free online college planning tools that helps them learn about, prepare for, and apply to college.

“Southwestern’s goals are wonderfully aligned with the coalition’s mission to reach a diverse community of learners from across the globe,” says Vice President for Strategic Recruitment and Enrollment Tom Delahunt. “The ability to engage and counsel students as early as freshman year in high school creates a benefit for both the student and the University.”

“Expanding our membership enables us to further our mission of making college accessible and affordable forallstudents,” says Annie Reznik, executive director of the Coalition for College. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Southwestern University to offer students proven support on their path to college—and significant opportunities for successful graduation.”

The coalition’s online toolkit,MyCoalition, is designed to engage students in the college application process early and easily. It comprises a convenient digital storage locker, an interactive collaboration space, and an easy-to-use application that is accepted at all member schools; Southwestern will accept the coalition application for admission beginning this fall.

The coalition was founded by a group of dedicated college administrators in 2015 with the goal of improving the college application process for all students, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. Members include a diverse group of public and private colleges and universities that are united in their mission to support lower-income and underresourced students, to provide students with responsible financial aid, and to bolster students’ success in college.